TRIBUTES have been paid to a council worker who died after falling into the River Thames.

David Gleeson, 49, from Ashford, was a well-known face on the streets of Egham where he worked for Runnymede Borough Council as a street cleaner.

Despite the best efforts of people who left their boats to pull him from the water at around 10pm on Monday, June 25, Mr Gleeson died in St Peter’s Hospital the following evening as a result of injuries he sustained in the fall.

Mr Gleeson was a popular character on the streets he endeavoured to keep pristine.

He always made time to befriend people and would occasionally visit the Red Lion pub in the High Street after work, residents have said.

Landlord Kevin Carter said news of Mr Gleeson’s death had left all his regulars in a state of shock.

Mr Carter was keen to pay a glowing tribute to one of the town’s familiar faces, who he said would be sorely missed.

“He really was a special guy,” he said.

“He would make time - and he probably got in trouble for it - but he would make time to speak to everybody that walked down the street.

“If someone spoke to him, he would smile and have a chat. He was a terrific fella.

“He used to pop into the pub now and then and chat to everyone. To die in such a tragic, tragic way is just such a waste.”

A council statement read: “David Gleeson was a street orderly for Runnymede council for almost three years and was regularly seen around the Egham and Englefield Green areas keeping the streets clean.

“He will be missed by all his work colleagues at the council and we send our sympathy and condolences to his family for their loss.”